Anger over 'The Monsanto Protection Act'

A little-known provision, one that protects genetically modified (GMO) and genetically engineered (GE) foods from future oversight, was signed into law by US President Barack Obama on Tuesday. The "Farmer Assurance Provision" of HR 933 will protect the GMO and GE crops from future litigation based on negative health risks and effects.

The provision, drafted in part by representatives of the multinational corporation Monsanto, was placed into the bill without review from either the Agricultural or Judiciary committees of Congress. This move has angered many who say the bill, dubbed the "Monsanto Protection Act", was "snuck" through government. The resolution will be in effect for six months, until Congress passes another funding measure.

Anger over the 'Monsanto Protection Act'

Without any hearings on the matter, the Senate included language that would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture to essentially ignore any court ruling that would otherwise halt the planting of new genetically-engineered crops.huffingtonpost.com

Supporters of GMO crops say there is no existing evidence that they pose a health risk. Many critiquing the legislation, however, raise concerns about possible future health risks.

Well, now it appears that even if those studies are completed and they end up revealing severe adverse health effects related to the consumption of genetically modified foods, the courts will have no ability to stop the spread of the seeds and the crops they bear.ibtimes.com

Others expressed disbelief with President Obama, citing his previous promises to label GMOs in the US:

When #Monsanto forced GMO corn on Hungary, farmers burned thousands of acres & forced the government to impose a ban http://<a href="http://t.co/aAVdjU3KHV" class="">pic.twitter.com/aAVdjU3KHV</a>Grrrl in Athens